Hash on Saturday

Who would not like to go out and visit places Who would not like to meet new people and befriend them every day? Who would not like to go out and remain healthy? The world has strange people who are always on the search for new things every day.

Just in the event you are a towny and are leading a busy life here is something to tryout now. This will bail you out. This will not only give you entertainment but also good health. Only thing that you have to have is a computer at home and also Internet connectivity.

Even if you have no Internet connectivity, there is a way out. You can go to a cyber cafe and log in to www.aponarch.com/hhhh. You are likely to come across a table there. Now click where you see "click here." On the screen will appear a map of the Kathmandu valley. In fact you will see a location in Kathmandu valley with map how to get there.

Click photo to go to the Trash for the run on which this was taken

What is HASH?

This incidentally is the event for those who have no time to spend but still would like to entertain themselves in some way or the other. This will also supply declining number of means of entertainment. Declining because it is never enough. The name of the event is Hash or if you want its full name Himalayan Hash Harriers House. However David Potter and Stephen Keeling are regular in Hash since 1999 and 2001 respectivelly. It was founded by Roger Binks and Keith Robinson and other British Gurkha officers in Nepal since 1979. Although these two gentlemen had created the game as far back as 1979, not many know about it so far.

In fact hash is the only game in the world, which is played in urban centers and is not only strictly personal but also least competitive. The game, which was first evolved in Malaysia, now nearly 70 years ago is known to attract young and old alike from well off section of society. Mind you it belongs to the city and its people.
Now let us find out how to take part in it at all. As said above find out the address you want to go by logging in at the above mentioned site. Once you know where the next event is scheduled you are on you own move to go there.

The game for the week can be almost anywhere outside the capital or within it depending on where the organizers have decided to. Since you are playing a event, you could reach anywhere. You could be in the midst of greenery, along the river and so on and so forth. The funny thing is that you could go to new place every time.

The game which is available every Saturday can take you almost anywhere. And depending on where you are told to park your car, you will be doing that then and there. Another funny thing is that bits of paper will lead the way just in the event you do not know the path.

While the game may be played out from 2 to 4 pm, one will have to start playing at 2 pm. Once you are there, the first thing you do is register yourself. Since those playing get to eat tidbits too, the registration charge is 250 and 100. Just in the event you are paying 250 you will get to drink a bottle of beer.

You could also drink coke or juice. Those paying 100 get to eat tidbits and coke. Just in the event you have visited the place earlier, you will figure in the register. If new comer, you will have to enter your name in full.

Once registered, one has to stand in circle and listen to instructions. Then you will get to select your choice. You will also have to tell whether you want to walk or run. Next you have to follow the guide slowly.

You will arrive at the place you started after one and half hour. Then comes the turn to take snacks. Take your beer or coke along with the snacks of your choice. You will be enjoying your beer or juice in the open air! This is not all. This marks the new round of the game and new visitors. This is the phase when those who have set new record and have achieved something new are listened to others forming a circle. This is the time when drinks are passed out in traditional mugs of alloy. This is not all. Those playing will have to sing songs while drinking. The song has to be English.

Click photo to go to the Trash for the run on which this was taken

Along with physical exercise and entertainment, there could be photography going on. These pictures could be seen in websites later. The game goes back to 15 October 1979 near Bhaktapur. Since then the game has-been played out 1528 times until 16 February 2008.

There was only one day when the game was put off or cancelled for the day since. Cancellation only once in 29 years. That was the day when royal massacre took place. Ravi, who is a regular player, claimed this.
Mind you the game of hash had one prominent figure who happened to be US envoy James F Moriarty. The game in question is instrumental in ensuring small treks to a nearby place which throws up opportunity to learn the local culture, boosting tourism as well.

While a large chunk of visitors used to be foreigners, there are locals too now. This can be expected to attract international attention towards Nepal.

Rajendra Kunwar

Photos by: Rotter